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Within Toluca Valley, the indigenous population was involved in agricultural and economic activities that benefited their communities. Maguey cultivation was central to the Valley, since it could be used as food or clothing to sell on the market to pay off debts. While it was men who owned larger crops of maguey, it was women who often claimed ownership over the plant on their lands. Women such as Maria Josefina Maria owned maguey crops and often willed them to their children, hoping to pass on property down the family line (Pizzigoni, 145). In terms of livestock, more men willed their animals to their heirs (Pizzigoni, 151). Large animals such as oxen were considered valuable in harvesting land, or they could also be used to establish trade with interested clients. Lucas Damian was involved in trading and selling pigs with various customers, generating a profit in order to sustain his household. Testators sold clothing and utensils to cover burial costs, or gave them to their children to be used (Pizzigoni, 155). Buying and selling land was a common activity in Toluca Valley, as well as harvesting crops on various territories. Citizens would offer parcels of land to pay for their leases, or rented out land for personal interest as long as they paid the required sum (Pizzigoni, 157). The people of Toluca Valley also hocked objects for money, and were involved in giving it to those who desperately needed it (Pizzigoni, 159, 162). Indigenous peoples’ agricultural and economic spaces in Toluca Valley were part of an important system. They worked to support their families and their communities even after their deaths, ensuring that their successes and traditions would be passed on to future generations.
Caterina Pizzigoni’s mention of women’s involvement in the community reminded me of Mary Beth Norton’s article. While the women featured were of difference races, they both contributed to the growth of their social and economic structures. Indigenous women supported their families with goods they produced or sold, and white women helped their children grow spiritually (Norton, 608). As Danny Alvarez has said, indigenous women were the main cultivators of maguey crops and made significant amounts of money off of it. I agree that this allowed them to pay off their debts.